USPSNEWS@WORK

Potter to National Postal Forum: Bold action builds business

Postmaster General (PMG) Jack Potter told thousands of mailers attending the National Postal Forum that bold thinking and bold action by the Postal ServiceTM and its customers will keep the U.S. Mail a powerful medium that delivers value and transforms American business.

He told convention goers that he maintains the pledge made in 2002 that postage rates will remain stable until 2006. Potter also said postal reform legislation currently pending on Capitol Hill could determine the size of future rate increases.

The three-day, annual forum recently held at the Washington, DC, Convention Center gave the $900 billion mail industry access to postal experts and the latest mail innovations to help improve profitability, security and efficiency.

"Think bold, take bold action and let's build the business together," Potter said, calling on the mailing industry to join in the effort to grow mail volume by not only making it easier to process and distribute the mail, but by spreading the word about the value of mail to small- and medium-sized business owners.

Without the mail, he said today's specialty and general catalogs that are the direct descendants of major retail companies would not exist. From its earliest beginnings, he said mail helped build the airline industry, created ZIP CodesTM for targeted mailings, launched the direct mail industry and now links online businesses to the delivery network.

Potter described the efforts of the Postal Service to take costs out of the system, to work with mailers in introducing technology and streamlining the transportation and distribution networks. "We've made it easier for you to do business with us and now we are laying the groundwork for the Post Office of the 21st century," he said.

The PMG encouraged mailers to "embrace the next generation of information-rich barcodes" that will allow them to track mail end-to-end and allow the Postal Service to increase the quality of sorting.

Potter committed to involve the mailers in the process. "Remember, this is a partnership. I fully intend to keep our partnership strong," he said.

He called on the mailing industry to spread the word about the "real value in the mail - the mail offers the best choice to communicate. All of us have to spread a simple message: put the U.S. Mail to work for you," said Potter.

On solid footing: USPS finances continue to improve, rates to remain stable

Good news for the Postal Service - despite high fuel costs and declining First- Class Mail volume, the financial outlook for fiscal year 2005 is very solid. That's the message Postmaster General Jack Potter and Chief Financial Officer Richard Strasser gave to the Board of Governors during their recent monthly meeting.

Potter credits aggressive cost cutting over the last three years for $8.3 billion in expense savings - savings that allowed him to reiterate his commitment to maintain current postage rates until 2006.

"The Postal Service will continue to focus on the strategies identified in our Transformation Plan, and we will continue to deliver the plan's commitments ahead of schedule," said Potter.

Strasser said next year's financial plan requires continuing cost reductions of $1.4 billion, which include a reduction of 23 million workhours and a sixth straight year of increased productivity.

And you can't get more productive than the Postal Service. Career postal employment today is virtually at the same level it was in 1984 - just over 700,000 - while mail volume has increased by 65 billion more pieces to an additional 48 million new addresses.

Rollin' rollin' rollin': My Post Office roll-in surpasses target

More than 8,000 Post OfficesTM with two or more delivery routes are now connected to My Post Office.

The Office of the Consumer Advocate easily surpassed its goal of adding 5,008 Post Offices on the My Post Office network by mid-August.

The roll-in provided training, logistics and equipment for the 8,355 offices networked as of late August. Information Technology has purchased and installed more than 3,700 computers and peripheral equipment for Post Offices, and has 300 more My Post Office installations scheduled before the end of the year.

The Southeast Area was the first to roll-in all of its delivery Post Offices. Nationwide, 28 districts have all of their delivery offices connected.

My Post Office uses the Postal Service intranet to link more than 10,000 field units to the 800-ASK-USPS contact centers and USPS.com - enabling customers to find local Post Office hours, put mail on hold and access other services.

Moving these simple transactions out of the Post Office reduces wait times, improves customer service and adds value to the mail through technology.

Battered, beaten but unbroken: USPS delivers during worst hurricane season in years

When it's all said and done, the summer of 2004 will be one for the record books.

Not only for the storm damage inflicted throughout the southeast and gulf state areas, but for the character and determination of the thousands of USPS employees who persevered, often at great personal sacrifice, during the past several weeks to get the mail through.

From the clerks who sorted the mail by flashlight and lights from generators, to the carriers who delivered it around an obstacle course of downed trees and debris ...

From the managers who worked round-the-clock staffing emergency operations centers and their own facilities, to the maintenance employees who delivered generators to hundreds of Post Offices ...

From employees across the country who willingly gave time and money to support relief efforts for those affected by the storms, to every employee in between - the efforts of the past few weeks to keep the mail moving were nothing less than heroic.

And the country noticed. Television stations, newspapers and other media outlets nationwide reported on the presence of USPS employees in storm-ravaged communities as early as the day after Ivan's latest effort. For many communities, USPS employees were some residents' only contact with the outside world as power outages limited access to news and information.

In Birmingham, AL, Fox News reporter Chris Montana, impressed that USPS employees were out delivering the mail just hours before the storm was due, interviewed Letter Carrier Mike Graham.

And as a Birmingham, AL, ABC 33 correspondent said during her live broadcast, "No one is out except me and the postman . . . through rain, snow ... Even a hurricane."

Exactly.

After the storm: EAP helps calm troubled waters

Hurricanes, flooding and tornadoes cause more than just physical damage - they disrupt the lives of everyone affected by them. And while initial responses can be heroic, when calm finally returns, employees react differently to the sobering realities of their new existence. Some may be eager to work, while others may be angry, preoccupied or cry unexpectedly. Stress - and our reaction to it - varies from person to person.

That's one of the reasons the USPS Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is here. To help employees and family members cope with life-changing situations like the ones brought on by the hurricanes. EAP can help employees deal with the sense of being tugged in many different directions at the same time. And, even if you were not directly affected by the recent storms, someone in your life may have been - a friend, a colleague or a family member.

EAP is a counseling and referral service to help employees with personal, job or family problems. It's free, voluntary and confidential. EAP professional counselors have been very engaged in the wake of Charley, Frances and Ivan. And they're here for you now.

For information or assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, call 800-EAP-4-YOU, (800-327-4968), TTY 877-492-7341 or visit the EAP Web site at www.eap4you.com. Find more information on the Postal Service Intranet at http://blue.usps.gov/hrisp/wei/eaps.htm.

And EAP is not the only help available. The Postal Employees Relief Fund (PERF) began as a way for USPS employees to help their fellow postal workers affected by major natural disasters such as the recent hurricanes. If you are an affected employee, write, call or send an e-mail to PERF:

PO BOX 34422
WASHINGTON DC 20043-4422

Telephone: 202-408-1869
E-mail: perf9891@aol.com

Customer Relations

Domestic Mail

OBSOLETE FORM

PS Form 3660-R, Combined Postage Statement for Single-Piece Manifest Mailings - Permit Imprint

Effective November 1, 2004, PS Form 3660-R, Combined Postage Statement for Single-Piece Manifest Mailings - Permit Imprint, will be obsoleted. Starting November 1, 2004, mailers who previously recorded their mailings on PS Form 3660-R must instead record them on individual postage statements applicable to the class of mail and postage payment method.

However, the obsoletion of PS Form 3660-R does not change the standard that allows pieces reported on a mixed-class manifest to be counted in total toward the minimum pieces and/or pounds required for permit imprint mailings. Even though the mailing reported on an individual postage statement might not meet the minimum requirements, the Postal ServiceTM uses the total as shown on the manifest summary of a mixed-class manifest to validate that the mailer has met the minimum requirements.

PS Form 3660-R, which first appeared in 1997, allowed mailers to record single-piece manifest mailings for different classes of mail. However, since then, there have been changes in mailing options. For example, PS Form 3660-R does not support such items as parcel barcode discounts and special services.

References to PS Form 3660-R also appear in Publication 401, Guide to the Manifest Mailing System, and we will revise the text of future versions of Publication 401 to reflect the obsoletion of PS Form 3660-R.

- Business Mail Acceptance,
Service and Market Development, 9-30-04

DMM REVISION

Firm Bundles of Periodicals Mail on Merged Pallets

Effective October 6, 2004, Domestic Mail Manual (DMMTM) M930.1.4 and M940.1.4 are revised to exempt firm bundles of Periodicals (bundles of individual copies all for one delivery point) items from the 5 percent limitation imposed on 5-digit bundles merged with carrier route bundles on merged 5-digit scheme or merged 5-digit pallets, regardless of the sortation level claimed. Firm bundles are not opened and processed on flat sorting machines. Firm bundles are treated as carrier route mail during Postal ServiceTM processing; therefore, greater efficiency in postal operations will be gained by allowing more firm bundles on pallets with carrier route bundles.

Periodicals mailers must include all eligible 5-digit bundles on the same pallet as any firm bundles that are part of the same logical bundle as outlined in DMM M930.1.4 and M940.1.4. Mailers may begin using these new standards immediately and are required to use these standards effective April 15, 2005. Delivery unit managers are reminded to retain and sort locally all bundles received on merged pallets under M930 and M940 at their delivery units to ensure timely delivery.

We will incorporate these revisions into the printed version of DMM 59 and into the monthly update of the online DMM available via Postal Explorer at http://pe.usps.gov.

Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)

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M Mail Preparation and Sortation

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M900 Advanced Preparation Options for Flats

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M930 Merged Palletization of Bundles Using a 5% Threshold

1.0 PERIODICALS

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1.4 5% Threshold Standard

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[Redesignate current items a through f as new items b through g and current item g as new item a to read as follows:]

a. Firm bundles claimed as one piece may be eligible for carrier route rates, 5-digit rates, or basic rates. Firm pieces (bundles), regardless of the rate claimed, are not subject to the 5% limit calculation. When firm bundles are placed on merged 5-digit scheme or merged 5-digit pallets, all eligible 5-digit bundles within the same logical bundle as the firm bundles must be merged, subject to the restrictions outlined in 1.4b through 1.4g, prior to merging any other 5-digit bundles.

* * * * *

M940 Merged Palletization of Bundles Using the City State Product and a 5% Threshold

1.0 PERIODICALS

* * * * *

1.4 5% Threshold Standard

[Redesignate current items a through f as new items b through g and current item g as new item a to read as follows:]

a. Firm bundles claimed as one piece may be eligible for carrier route rates, 5-digit rates, or basic rates. Firm pieces (bundles), regardless of the rate claimed, are not subject to the 5% limit calculation. When firm bundles are placed on merged 5-digit scheme or merged 5-digit pallets, all eligible 5-digit bundles within the same logical bundle as the firm bundles must be merged, subject to the restrictions outlined in 1.4b through 1.4g, prior to merging any other 5-digit bundles.

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- Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 9-30-04

DMM REVISION

Experimental Outside-County Periodicals Co-Palletization Discounts for High-Editorial, Heavy-Weight, Small-Circulation Publications

Effective October 3, 2004, the Postal ServiceTM will implement a new experiment to test whether additional rate incentives would encourage the co-palletization and dropshipment of currently sacked bundles of individual Periodicals publications that have high-editorial content, are heavier weight, and have small mailed circulation. This experiment will implement editorial per-pound discounts that are based on the entry points and zones skipped resulting from dropshipping and co-palletization. The editorial per- pound discounts would apply to pieces in bundles placed on sectional center facility (SCF) and area distribution center (ADC) pallets that are dropshipped to either a destination area distribution center (DADC) or a destination sectional center facility (DSCF). The experiment includes procedures for preparing and documenting co-palletized mailings and for requesting approval to participate in the experiment.

Co-palletization is designed to move publications, big and small, out of sacks and onto pallets with an additional advantage of mail being entered closer to destination for better service. Both of these changes are expected to make the processing of Periodicals mail more efficient and less expensive. This change is especially beneficial in the case of smaller publications that are prepared in smaller sacks largely entered at the origin.

On April 20, 2003, the Postal Service implemented the Experimental Outside-County Periodicals Co-Palletization Classification, which provided two additional per-piece discounts to co-palletized Periodicals that could not otherwise be palletized because they lacked sufficient volume and density (see Postal Bulletin 22099, pages 21-24). The experimental discounts are available for pieces in Periodicals mailings and mailing segments that would have otherwise been prepared in sacks but now may be prepared on ADC or SCF pallets and dropshipped to DADCs and DSCFs as a result of co-palletization.

While the initial experiment has been reasonably successful, current per-piece incentives are not sufficient to encourage co-palletization and dropshipment of publications with high editorial content. The additional co-palletization experiment provides additional per-piece incentives when mailers go through the extra step of combining their mailings to build pallets and dropship them to DADCs and DSCFs.

Mailers may apply to participate in the new experiment beginning September 1, 2004; if approved, they may begin mailing under the new procedures on October 3, 2004. The experiment is expected to last for 2 years.

We will incorporate these revisions into the printed version of DMM 59 and into the monthly update of the online DMM available via Postal Explorer at http://pe.usps.gov.

Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)

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G General Information

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G900 Experimental Classification and Rate Filings

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G990 Experimental Classifications and Rates

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[Renumber current 993 as new 994 and add new 993 to read as follows:]

G993 Outside-County Periodicals Co-Palletization Drop-Ship Discounts for High-Editorial, Heavy-Weight, Small-Circulation Publications

1.0 ELIGIBILITY

1.1 Description

The standards in G993 apply to mailings that are produced by mailers and consolidators who are approved to use the outside-county Periodicals co-palletization drop-ship discounts for high-editorial, heavy-weight, small-circulation publications.

1.2 Rate Application

The outside-county co-palletization drop-ship per-pound discounts apply to pieces meeting the standards in G993.

1.3 Basic Standards

The basic standards for eligibility under G993 are as follows:

a. The advertising content of the publication must be 15 percent or less.

b. The weight per copy must be 9 ounces or more.

c. The total mailed circulation must be 75,000 addressed pieces or less (including all editions, issues, and supplemental mailings).

d. Each mailing must consist of at least two different Periodicals publications or two different editions, segments, or versions of a Periodicals publication. Each mailing must be presented with the correct postage statement(s) and register of mailing. Mailings consisting of different Periodicals publications must be accompanied by separate postage statements for each publication. Mailings consisting of different editions or versions of the same Periodicals publication must be accompanied by one consolidated postage statement and a register of mailings.

e. Each mailing must meet the documentation and postage payment standards outlined in 2.0 and P200.

f. Each mailing must be entered, and postage must be paid, at the post office where consolidation takes place, except that postage for publications authorized under the Centralized Postage Payment (CPP) system may be paid to the New York Rates and Classification Service Center (RCSC). Each publication included in a mailing under these standards must be authorized for original entry or additional entry at the post office where the co-palletized mailing is entered.

1.4 Discount Eligibility

To be eligible for the discounts, mailpieces must be:

a. Part of a Periodicals mailing meeting the standards in M200, M820, or M900.

b. Part of a mailing segment with less than 250 pounds per title or version per ADC destination, if independently presorted. This includes mail for an ADC service area that remains after finer levels of pallets are prepared.

c. Prepared as packages on pallets under M041 and M045, or under M900.

d. Prepared on either an ADC or SCF pallet of co- palletized pieces. Mailers may build on ADC or SCF pallets of 250 or more pounds prepared as part of the original presort. However, the pieces originally on these pallets (250 or more pounds per title or edition) do not qualify for the co-palletization discounts.

2.0 DOCUMENTATION

Each mailing must be accompanied by documentation meeting the standards in P012, as well as any other mailing information requested by the USPS to support the postage claimed (e.g., advertising percentage and weight per copy). Documentation must be presented by title and version, segment, or edition; or by codes representing each title and version, segment, or edition included in the co-palletized mailing. In addition, documentation for the co-palletized mailing must:

a. Include a detailed listing documenting the distribution of total advertising and editorial pounds to each zone "before" co-palletization, based on origin entry of the mail (i.e., entry at the plant or the local post office for the plant, where it is printed and presorted into bundles ready for co-palletization and mailing).

b. Upon request, include presort reports showing how the pieces would have been prepared prior to co- palletization.

c. Include presort and pallet reports showing how the co-palletized pieces are prepared and where they will be entered (DADC or DSCF).

d. Distinguish publications or segments that do not qualify for the co-palletization discounts (e.g., because there are 250 or more pounds to an ADC destination) from those that do qualify for the discounts (e.g., existing per-piece co-palletization discounts and new per-pound discount).

e. Allow easy reconciliation with reports prepared to reflect how mail would have been prepared prior to co- palletization if requested to verify compliance with standards for discount eligibility.

3.0 DATA REPORTING

Each month, the mailer or consolidator must provide the following data via e-mail to copal@usps.gov in spreadsheet format using the model spreadsheet and timelines provided by the USPS:

a. Number of titles receiving the new co-palletization discounts for high editorial publications.

b. Number of sacks that would have been prepared without co-palletization, as well as the total weight, the editorial weight, and the number of addressed pieces that would have been in these sacks, by destination ADC and destination SCF.

c. Number of sacks prepared after co-palletization, as well as the weight and the number of addressed pieces in these sacks.

d. Number of pallets containing mail qualifying for the ADC co-palletization discounts, as well as the weight and the number of addressed pieces receiving the ADC discount on these pallets. Pallets containing some bundles that use the per-piece discounts and some bundles that use the per-pound discount must be counted separately.

e. Number of pallets containing mail qualifying for the SCF co-palletization discounts, as well as the weight and the number of addressed pieces receiving the SCF discount on these pallets. Pallets containing some bundles that use the per-piece discounts and some bundles that use the per-pound discount must be counted separately.

4.0 DISCOUNTS

4.1 Basic Standards

Pieces must be prepared on one of the following:

a. An SCF or ADC pallet of 250 or more pounds drop shipped to the appropriate DADC.

b. An SCF pallet of 250 or more pounds drop shipped to the appropriate DSCF.

c. An overflow DSCF or DADC pallet drop shipped to the appropriate DSCF or DADC.

d. An ADC pallet weighing between 100 and 250 pounds and drop shipped to the appropriate DADC.

4.2 Discounts and Description

The discounts in exhibit 4.2 are applicable to editorial pounds of the co-palletized pieces prepared on an ADC or SCF pallet and entered at the destination ADC and SCF. The discounts are dependent on the applicable zones that would have resulted from origin entry of the publications without co-palletization.

Exhibit 4.2 Discounts for Co-Palletized Pieces Prepared on an ADC or SCF Pallet

5.0 REQUEST TO PARTICIPATE

A mailer or consolidator may request approval to use the outside-county Periodicals co-palletization drop-ship per- pound discounts by submitting a written request to the manager, Mailing Standards (see G043 for address). The request must be accompanied by the following:

a. A completed application form (available from the manager, Mailing Standards).

b. A process map and narrative demonstrating how and where presort and co-palletization reports (including "before" and "after" data) are created as they relate to mail movement and consolidation of packages to be co-palletized. The map and narrative must also describe mail movement from production through the co-palletization process including dispatch to destination entry Postal Service facilities.

c. Samples of all required documentation that will be used to substantiate eligibility for the discounts, and of the documentation that must be provided at the time of mailing, including "before" and "after" reports and postage statements. The sample reports must demonstrate:

(1) How the co-palletized portion of the mailing is segregated from other mailing segments on the "before" reports.

(2) How mailing jobs, mailing segments, and containers will be identified in both "before" and "after" reports to allow reconciliation of the reports.

(3) How pieces appearing on the "after" reports that qualify for the co-palletization discounts (mailing segments with less than 250 pounds to an ADC) are differentiated from those that do not (mailing segments with 250 or more pounds to an ADC).

(4) How pieces receiving the per-pound discounts are differentiated from those receiving the per- piece discounts.

d. A detailed listing documenting the distribution of total advertising and editorial pounds to each zone "before" co-palletization, based on origin entry of the mail (i.e., entry at the plant or the local post office for the plant, where it is printed and presorted into bundles ready for co-palletization and mailing).

e. An explanation of how data for mailings included under the co-palletization experiment will be collected and reported to the USPS, including whether the model spreadsheet provided by the USPS can be used.

f. A list of the publications to be included initially in the test and evidence that each publication has obtained the appropriate additional entry authorization at the office where mailings will be verified and postage paid. The list must indicate if the publications are authorized under the Centralized Postage Payment (CPP) system. If the applicant is not a printer and/or is consolidating publications for other printers, a list of those printers must be included with the application.

6.0 DECISION ON REQUEST

The manager, Mailing Standards, approves or denies a written request to use the experimental outside-county Periodicals co-palletization per-pound discounts. If the application is approved, the mailer or consolidator will be notified in writing by the manager, Mailing Standards. Initial approval is for a conditional 90-day period. When the mailer or consolidator has demonstrated the ability to prepare and enter mailings under the standards in G993, final authorization will be granted. If the application is denied, the mailer or consolidator may file at a later date or submit additional information needed to support the request.

7.0 USPS SUSPENSION

The manager, Mailing Standards, may suspend at any time an approval to use the per-pound discounts when there is an indication that Postal Service revenue is not fully protected. The manager will notify the participant in writing of the decision. The suspension becomes effective upon the mailer's receipt of the notification.

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- Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 9-30-04

DMM REVISION

Destination Delivery Unit Entry - Carrier Route Periodicals Mail

Effective October 14, 2004, Domestic Mail Manual (DMMTM) M220 is amended to allow bedloading of individual carrier route bundles and carrier route rate "firm" bundles containing either Periodicals flats or Periodicals irregular parcels (publications exceeding the maximum 15-inch length or maximum 12-inch height for a flat), when entered at a destination delivery unit (DDU). This exception to sacking carrier route and (carrier route rate) firm bundles applies to mailers who prepare and enter mailings at the DDU discount under DMM E250.4.0, as well as mailers who enter carrier route and firm bundles at a DDU under an exceptional dispatch agreement (see DMM D210.3.0).

Also, new DMM E250.4.6 is added to clarify the standards for unloading all Periodicals mailings entered at a DDU. It contains essentially the same language that applies to DDU-entered mailings of other classes of mail.

Bedloaded bundles are not containerized (not placed in a sack or other container or on a pallet) but stacked directly onto the floor of the vehicle used to transport the mail.

Bedloaded bundles must be clearly labeled as carrier route or firm bundles, as appropriate, using the optional endorsement line information in DMM M013, or facing slips under DMM M020.3.0. Also, firm bundles can be labeled with blue barcoded presort label "F."

Some mailers may already have authorization from their local Post OfficeTM to enter bundles of Periodicals flats and irregular parcels without placing them in sacks. This revision is not intended to preclude any such arrangements already in place.

Carrier route rate eligibility is based on six or more addressed pieces to an individual carrier route, rural route, highway contract route, Post Office box section, or general delivery unit, as appropriate. Firm bundles (i.e., two or more copies prepared as one addressed piece) must be accompanied by, but be physically separate from, five (or more) other addressed pieces to the same route to be eligible for carrier route rate and DDU entry.

For scheduled arrivals at DDUs when Postal Service personnel might not be present, Periodicals bundles must be unloaded and placed in a secure, dry location not subject to inclement weather conditions.

All Periodicals mailers entering DDU mail (whether the bundles are containerized or bedloaded) are reminded that the driver must unload the mail within 1 hour of arrival. When requested, the driver must unload the mail into containers as specified by the DDU and maintain separation of the carrier route and firm bundles by individual 5-digit ZIP Code or (if applicable) by 5-digit scheme as defined in DMM L001 for offices that serve more than one ZIP Code (see new DMM E250.4.6).

Mailers with questions should contact the Post Office where they enter their mailings. Postal Service employees with questions should contact their district manager of business mail entry.

We will incorporate these revisions into the printed version of DMM 59 and into the monthly update of the online DMM available via Postal Explorer at http://pe.usps.gov.

Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)

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E Eligibility

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E200 Periodicals

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E250 Destination Entry

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4.0 DESTINATION DELIVERY UNIT (DDU)

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[Add new 4.6 to read as follows:]

4.6 Vehicle Unloading

At destination delivery units (DDUs), the driver must unload all mail, whether bedloaded, sacked, or palletized (including pallet boxes on pallets) within 1 hour of arrival. If pallets (including pallet boxes on pallets) are stacked, the driver must unload, unstack, and unstrap them. If a mailer transports palletized mail (including sacks on pallets) to a DDU that cannot handle pallets, the driver must unload the pallets into a container specified by the DDU. The driver may be required to place bedloaded bundles prepared under M220.4.2 and sacks into containers provided by the DDU to maintain separation by 5-digit ZIP Code or 5-digit scheme (L001), as applicable, or to place containerized mail so as to maintain the separation of 5-digit ZIP Codes or 5-digit schemes. For scheduled arrivals at DDUs when USPS personnel may not be present, mail must be placed in a secure location protected from the weather.

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M Mail Preparation and Sortation

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M200 Periodicals (Nonautomation)

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M220 Carrier Route Periodicals

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4.0 PREPARATION-FLAT-SIZE PIECES AND IRREGULAR PARCELS

[Revise 4.0 by redesignating current text as 4.1 and adding new 4.2, to read as follows:]

4.1 Sacking and Labeling

* * * * *

4.2 Exception to Sacking

Sacking is not required for bundles that are prepared for and entered at a DDU. Firm bundles must be clearly labeled using optional endorsement lines under M013, or facing slips or barcoded presort labels under M020. Carrier route bundles must be clearly labeled using optional endorsement lines under M013 or facing slips under M020. Bedloaded bundles may weigh up to 40 pounds each.

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- Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 9-30-04

DMM REVISION

Negotiated Service Agreements - General Requirements

Effective October 14, 2004, Domestic Mail Manual (DMMTM) G911 is redesignated as G912 and new DMM G911 is added to define the general requirements and features that apply to any Negotiated Service Agreement (NSA) established between the United States Postal Service (USPS) and a mailer.

Purpose of NSAs

An NSA is a written contract between the Postal ServiceTM and a specific mailer (customer or organization) that provides the mailer with rates or service arrangements that differ from standard Postal Service offerings. By its very design, each NSA is unique to the mailer's business requirements; however, some NSAs may be "functionally equivalent to" (i.e., similar to) other existing NSAs. An NSA could, for example:

• Customize particular rates, classifications, and service conditions.

• Modify existing Postal Service standards or create new standards for the preparation, presentation, acceptance, processing, transportation, or delivery of mailings.

Not only do mailers entering into NSAs benefit from these customized arrangements, but so do all other Postal Service customers because NSAs can increase contribution by attracting new mail volumes and improving operational efficiencies.

Pricing innovations such as NSAs also help the Postal Service to maintain universal mail service at reasonable rates and support the continuing and viable role played by mail in commercial and personal communication. NSAs can help achieve these objectives by strengthening and increasing mail volume and by enhancing the value of mail to both sender and recipient. Customized pricing better allows the Postal Service to meet the needs of its customers and provide new sources of contribution to maintain the nation's postal infrastructure. The establishment of NSAs also represents one of the important corporate goals articulated in the Postal Service Transformation Plan.

Current NSA and New Filings

The first authorized NSA, established with Capital One Services, Inc., and implemented on September 1, 2003, features discounts for First-Class Mail volume exceeding an annual threshold of 1.225 billion pieces and the electronic return of undeliverable mail data using Address Change Service (ACS).

The volume incentives in this first NSA foster increased use of First-Class Mail by Capital One, which in turn helps pay overhead costs that support the entire mail system. Further cost savings are achieved by this NSA because Capital One must use ACS for all solicitation mail sent as First-Class Mail covered by the NSA, and Capital One must update its address records more frequently than required under current mailing standards. The Capital One NSA will remain in force until September 1, 2006.

In the summer of 2004, the Postal Service filed requests concerning two additional NSAs considered functionally equivalent to the NSA with Capital One. The NSA filings are with two financial institutions - Bank One Corporation and Discover Financial Services, Inc. Moreover, the Postal Service identified in the filings the key elements of the proposed agreements, including their similarities and differences with the Capital One NSA.

NSA Process

Once an agreement with a mailer has been reached, the Board of Governors of the Postal Service approves filing a case with the Postal Rate Commission requesting a recommended decision on the proposed rates and classifications from the Postal Rate Commission.

In general, the Postal Service expects that a customer entering into an NSA would participate in the Postal Rate Commission administrative process in support of the NSA filing, and assist in presenting the case to the commission. This support could include presenting documentation, testimony, and other evidence in support of the proposed rates and classifications. The regulatory process can take as long as 10 months and must be completed before the NSA can be implemented.

If the commission recommends rates and classifications associated with the NSA, the Governors of the Postal Service then approve or reject these rates and classifications, and the Board of Governors authorizes the implementation, as necessary.

NSA Proposals

Mailers interested in pursuing an NSA can obtain more information by:

• Sending an e-mail inquiry to NSA@usps.com.

• Visiting www.usps.com/nationalpremieraccounts/nsa.

• Calling Pricing Strategy at (202) 268-7284.

• Writing to Pricing Strategy, U.S. Postal Service, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Room 3616, Washington, DC 20260-3616.

Interested mailers will receive a company profile form and other preliminary documents to complete and apply for NSA consideration. The Postal Service will review the information and contact the applicant to discuss any appropriate additional steps.

We will incorporate these revisions into the printed version of DMM 59 and into the monthly update of the online DMM available via Postal Explorer at http://pe.usps.gov.

Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)

* * * * *

G General Information

* * * * *

G900 Experimental Classification and Rate Filings

* * * * *

[Redesignate current G911 as new G912; add new G911 to read as follows:]

G910 Negotiated Service Agreements (NSAs)

G911 General Requirements for NSAs

Summary

G911 describes the general requirements for negotiated service agreements (NSAs) and explains the purpose of such agreements, factors to be considered for such agreements, and the process for establishing these agreements.

1.0 BASIC INFORMATION

1.1 Definition and Purpose

A negotiated service agreement (NSA) is a customized and mutually beneficial contractual agreement between the USPS and a specific mailer (customer or organization). An NSA provides for customized pricing, rates, and classifications under the terms and conditions established in the NSA and may include modifications to current mailing standards and other postal requirements. Any mailer may submit an application for an NSA if the mailer meets the requirements in 2.0 and follows the process in 3.0.

1.2 Legal Framework

Terms and conditions of an NSA affecting rates or classifications require that the USPS request a recommended decision from the Postal Rate Commission before the USPS may approve and implement the NSA. NSAs must be recommended and approved under 39 U.S.C. 36 and the Postal Rate Commission's rules of practice and procedure.

2.0 CANDIDATE FACTORS AND REQUIREMENTS

2.1 Factors

The USPS considers the following factors in evaluating any candidate's NSA proposal:

a. Candidate's presentation of information as requested by the USPS to document the following:

(1) Current mailing systems, postage payment systems, and quality control procedures and programs.

(2) Historical data showing mail volumes and use of specific mail services or mailpiece characteristics, as applicable. The candidate, as necessary, must also provide the effect on mail volumes of any corporate mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and similar events.

b. Candidate's ability to make and present in an acceptable format accurate forecasts of future mail volumes for USPS products and services proposed for an NSA.

c. Candidate's ability to collect necessary data in an acceptable format to support an NSA.

d. Candidate's willingness to establish and maintain electronic systems and quality control programs as specified by the USPS for paying postage and generating records to facilitate monitoring and reconciling mail volumes, rates, and fees, including volumes and postage paid by a mail preparation agent on behalf of the candidate.

e. Candidate's production of mail using a formal system to ensure proper mail preparation and accurate postage calculations.

f. Candidate's use or planned implementation of a Certified Mail preparation total quality program to ensure proper mail preparation and to provide accurate documentation of mailings and postage payment.

2.2 General Requirements

No proposed NSA may have an overall negative financial impact on the USPS. Any proposed NSA must also contain, at a minimum, the following general candidate requirements and conditions:

a. The candidate must permit USPS inspection of mail content to determine rate eligibility.

b. The candidate must prepare mail under current applicable mailing standards, unless they are to be modified under a proposed NSA.

c. The candidate must meet and adhere to quality management standards for the classes of mail and rates claimed.

d. The candidate must make available to the USPS necessary records and data related to the NSA in a form that facilitates monitoring of compliance with the terms and conditions of the NSA.

e. The candidate must provide proper specified notice to cancel the NSA.

f. The USPS has the right to cancel the NSA at any time with specified proper notice for any failure or, where appropriate, material failure of the mailer to:

(1) Use the NSA within the time period specified in the NSA.

(2) Provide accurate data, present properly prepared and paid mailings, or comply with any other material term or condition in the NSA.

g. The candidate must engage counsel and file testimony as necessary in support of the NSA before the Postal Rate Commission.

3.0 APPLICATION PROCESS

3.1 Initial Proposal

A mailer seeking to enter into an NSA with the USPS must submit a written proposal, with appropriate supporting documentation, to the USPS manager of Pricing Strategy (see G043 for address). The proposal must contain the reasons for requesting the NSA along with a summary of the information responding to the applicable candidate features and general requirements described in 2.0. A nondisclosure agreement must be signed before any substantive discussion of the proposal.

3.2 Negotiations and Contractual Agreement

As a result of the proposal, the candidate and the USPS may enter into negotiations to establish an NSA, with terms and conditions specific to the candidate, that is either a functionally equivalent NSA (i.e., comparable to an existing baseline NSA) or a new baseline NSA (i.e., not comparable to an existing NSA). A candidate in the negotiation process may withdraw a proposal for an NSA at any time prior to the execution of the NSA. Once the NSA is executed, the NSA is controlled by its terms and conditions.

3.3 Additional Consideration

If the USPS decides to end negotiations with the candidate before reaching an agreement to enter into an NSA under 1.0, the manager of Pricing Strategy notifies the candidate in writing and gives the reasons for the decision. Within 15 days from the receipt of the written explanation, the candidate may ask for reconsideration of the manager's decision. The candidate's request for reconsideration must include additional information and reasons why negotiations for an NSA should be resumed. The candidate submits the request for reconsideration through the manager of Pricing Strategy to the vice president of Pricing and Classification (see G043 for address).

* * * * *

- Mailing Standards,
Pricing and Classification, 9-30-04

[D-Link]

Employees

ELM REVISION

Pay for Performance

Effective September 30, 2004, Employee and Labor Relations Manual (ELM) 416, Pay for Performance (formerly Merit Pay), and 417.234, Higher Level Pay, are revised to replace Merit Pay policy with Pay for Performance policy. ELM 417.234 is also simplified to require only a 5-day waiting period, reflecting the standardization of the higher level pay policy for EAS employees.

We will incorporate these revisions into the next printed version of the ELM and also into the online version, available on the Postal ServiceTM PolicyNet Web site:

• Go to http://blue.usps.gov.

• Under "Essential Links" in the left-hand column, click on References.

• Under "References" in the right-hand column, click on PolicyNet.

• Click on Manuals.

It is also available on the Postal Service Internet:

• Go to www.usps.com.

• Click on About USPS & News, then Forms & Publications, then Postal Periodicals and Publications, and then Manuals.

Employee and Labor Relations Manual (ELM)

4 Pay Administration

410 Pay Administration Policy for Nonbargaining Unit Employees

* * * * *

[Revise the title and text of 416 to read as follows:]

416 Pay for Performance Program

416.1 Policy

EAS employees are eligible for an annual pay for performance (PFP) salary increase and/or lump sum payment based on a fiscal year performance evaluation. These evaluations are conducted in accordance with established performance appraisal instructions. PFP adjustments are made in accordance with guidelines issued annually.

416.2 Eligibility Requirements

416.21 General

To be eligible for a PFP adjustment, an employee must have an appointment that is not time-limited and receive a performance rating warranting an adjustment as provided in the applicable PFP guidelines.

416.22 Management Association Officials

Employees who are placed on leave without pay (LWOP) to devote full-time service as elected national officers of a recognized management association are eligible to have their salary of record adjusted to reflect annual PFP increases as if they were continuing in a pay status. The effective date of an employee's adjustment is the same as it would be if the employee were in a pay status. The amount of such an adjustment is determined as follows:

a. The percentage increase is equal to the average basic salary percentage increase for the employee's grade. This is determined by Headquarters Human Resources and transmitted to the appropriate area office.

b. The adjusted salary may not exceed the maximum of the range for the employee's grade.

c. The employee is not eligible for a PFP lump sum.

416.23 Leave Without Pay

Employees who return to Postal Service duty following an absence for military duty are eligible for a PFP adjustment for time spent in a military LWOP status.

Employees who are on LWOP for other purposes during the year are eligible for a PFP adjustment subject to a prorated reduction for the LWOP hours according to the PFP guidelines issued annually.

416.3 Simultaneous Personnel Actions

When a PFP increase and another personnel action are effective on the same date, the PFP increase is granted first.

* * * * *

417 Temporary Assignment to Nonbargaining Unit Positions (Career Employees)

* * * * *

417.2 Rates of Pay

* * * * *

417.23 Higher Grade

* * * * *

417.234 Higher Level Pay Conditions

[Revise the text of 417.234 to read as follows:]

Conditions for higher level pay are as follows:

a. EAS Employees. Higher level pay is authorized to eligible EAS employees during each temporary assignment to higher level EAS positions in Headquarters, Headquarters-related units, area offices, and field installations for all such service beginning after 5 consecutive workdays, excluding breaks for normal days off, and continuing for the duration of the assignment. Different employees are not to be assigned consecutively to the same vacancy solely to avoid the higher level pay requirements.

b. Bargaining Unit Employees. Bargaining unit employees are authorized higher level pay for all time worked on higher level assignments. They receive certain bargaining unit pay premiums according to their bargaining unit agreement when temporarily assigned to a nonbargaining position. However, they are not also eligible for supervisory differential adjustment (SDA) or the Pay for Performance Program.

* * * * *

- Compensation,
Employee Resource Management, 9-30-04

RURAL CARRIERS

Equipment Maintenance Allowance Schedule for Rural Routes

In accordance with provisions of Article 9, Section 2.J.3 of the Rural Carrier National Agreement, effective October 2, 2004 (pay period 22-04), the equipment maintenance allowance (EMA) will increase from 41.5 cents per mile to 41.0 cents per mile.

The EMA is 41.0 cents per mile, or a minimum of $16.40 per day, whichever is greater.

Auxiliary Rural Carriers, Rural Carrier Reliefs, Rural Carrier Associates, Rural Carrier Part-Time Flexibles, and Auxiliary Assistance

Employees providing auxiliary assistance or serving auxiliary routes under provisions of Article 9, Section 2.J.5, receive an EMA of 41.0 cents per mile or $4.70 per hour, whichever is greater. This EMA should not exceed the amount provided in the special EMA for the route stops and miles.

EMA Rate Schedule

The EMA rate schedule on pages 16-17 supersedes all previously published EMA schedules for employees receiving EMA.

- Collective Bargaining and Arbitration,
Labor Relations, 9-30-04

Thrift Savings Plan Open Season and PostalEASE

The next Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) open season is October 15 through December 31, 2004. This TSP open season ends December 31, 2004, at 5:00 P.M. Central Time (CT). The following information is provided to assist personnel offices in conducting this open season.

The booklet TSPBK08, Summary of the Thrift Savings Plan for Federal Employees (dated May 2001), provides a good overview of TSP. Newly eligible career employees receive a copy of TSPBK08 from Headquarters through a direct mailing. Offices can order additional copies of TSPBK08 from the Material Distribution Center (MDC) by using touch tone order entry (TTOE): Call 800-332-0317, option 2.

Note: You must be registered to use TTOE. To register, call 800-332-0317, option 1, extension 2925, and follow the prompts to leave a message. (Wait 48 hours after registering before placing your first order.)

Use the following information to order TSPBK08:

PSN: 7530-03-000-9364
Unit of Measure: EA
Bulk Pack Quantity: 150
Price: No cost

TSP Open Season Dates

The dates of TSP open seasons are October 15 through December 31 and April 15 through June 30 (see TSP bulletin 02-12, dated May 2, 2002). The corresponding election periods are December and June. The "election period" is the earliest period during which a contribution election to start or to change the amount of contributions made during a TSP open season can become effective (see TSP bulletin 01-4, dated February 2, 2001).

Employees may change their fund investment choices (contribution allocations) both during and outside of the TSP open season. To make a fund investment choice, an employee must contact TSP directly, not PostalEASE. If employees do not contact TSP, their existing fund investment choice continues. The earnings statement (paycheck stub) shows the TSP contribution percentage or dollar amount, but the statement does not show the TSP fund investment detail.

Because the TSP has moved the open season election period to December, the increases in the TSP employee contribution limits become effective each December (see TSP bulletin 01-3, dated January 23, 2001). For example, during the October 15 through December 31, 2004, open season, employees covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) will become eligible to contribute up to 15 percent of basic pay in 2005 (the maximum was 14 percent for 2004). Eligible FERS employees still receive the Agency Automatic (1 percent) Contribution and the Agency Matching Contribution of up to 4 percent from the Postal ServiceTM - these amounts have not changed. Employees covered by the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and CSRS Offset employees will become eligible to contribute up to 10 percent of basic pay in 2005 (the maximum was 9 percent for 2004).

The limits for FERS, CSRS, and CSRS Offset employees will continue to increase by 1 percentage point per year through 2005. Then, in 2006, all participants will be eligible to contribute up to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) annual deferral limit without any percentage limit. The IRS annual deferral limit for 2005 is $14,000. This is scheduled to increase by $1,000 each year through 2006 to $15,000. (See table below.)

A newly hired career employee may elect to participate in TSP until the 61st day after the date of hire and in every subsequent open season. The waiting period of one to two open seasons continues to apply to the Agency Automatic (1 percent) Contribution and the Agency Matching Contribution for FERS employees.

Using PostalEASE for Enrollment

Employees must use the PostalEASE telephone system or the PostalEASE employee Web site to enroll, to make contribution elections, and to make cancellations. PostalEASE's toll-free number is 877-4PS-EASE (877-477-3273). For Web access through the Postal Service Intranet, employees must go to http://blue.usps.gov; under "Employee Resources," click on Employee Self Service, and then click on PostalEASE. Employees must have their Employee IDs (found on their earnings statements) and USPS personal identification numbers (PINs) to use PostalEASE (for information on PINs, see "USPS PIN" and "TSP PIN" below).

Note: Personnel and employing offices must not distribute Form TSP-1, Thrift Savings Plan Election Form, to employees for making TSP open season elections. TSP-1 is no longer stocked at the MDC.

Contacting TSP to Make a Fund Investment Election

Employees have three methods to make a fund investment election as follows:

• Web site: Go to the TSP Web site at www.tsp.gov.

• Telephone: Call the TSP ThriftLine toll-free at 877-968-3778.

• Mail: Mail Form TSP-50, Investment Allocation (dated August 2002), to the TSP service office in New Orleans.

Note: Personnel offices must not accept and cannot process completed Forms TSP-50. Form TSP-50 is not available from the TSP Web site but only from the MDC. Personnel offices should maintain a supply of Form TSP-50. The relevant ordering information is as follows:

PSN: 7530-05-000-4305
Unit of Measure: EA
Bulk Pack Quantity: 3,800
Price: No cost

The TSP Web site and ThriftLine are convenient methods for making fund investment elections. Employees' elections will take effect more quickly by using the TSP Web site and ThriftLine than by using Form TSP-50. To use the TSP Web site or TSP ThriftLine, participants must use their TSP PIN.

Using PINs to Make TSP Elections

To make TSP elections, use two PINs: USPS PIN and TSP PIN.

USPS PIN

The Postal Service maintains the USPS PIN. Employees must use their USPS PIN to (1) begin a contribution percentage or a dollar amount election, or (2) change their current TSP contribution percentage or dollar amount, or (3) cancel TSP participation via PostalEASE. If employees do not know their USPS PIN, they must contact PostalEASE at 877-4PS-EASE (877-477-3273) and do the following steps when prompted: (1) press 1 for PostalEASE; (2) enter their Employee ID (this number is found on their earnings statement); (3) when prompted to enter their PIN, pause and then press 2. Employees' USPS PIN will be mailed to their address of record, usually by the next business day.

Note: When an employee requests his or her USPS PIN, the USPS PIN does not change (unlike the TSP PIN). The employee's old USPS PIN remains valid. (The USPS PIN is the same PIN employees use for telephone bidding and computerized bidding.)

TSP PIN

The TSP PIN is maintained by TSP. Employees must use their TSP PIN to make fund investment choices via the TSP Web site or the TSP ThriftLine. If employees are TSP participants and they do not know their TSP PIN, they have two methods for having a new TSP PIN mailed to their address of record:

1. Go to the TSP Web site at www.tsp.gov and select Account Access, or

2. Call the TSP ThriftLine or TSP service office toll-free at 877-968-3778, and then follow the instructions.

Once TSP has received an employee's TSP PIN request, his or her former TSP PIN is no longer valid.

Direct Mailings to Employees

Headquarters will mail to career employees leaflet TSP1004, TSP Open Season, and PostalEASE instructions at their mailing address of record during October.

In addition to receiving TSP1004, newly eligible career employees receive from Headquarters a direct mailing of TSPBK08, Summary of the Thrift Savings Plan for Federal Employees, as well as a cover letter and PostalEASE instructions at their mailing address of record soon after their accession PS Form 50, Notification of Personnel Action, is processed.

The return address for undeliverable TSP enrollment information for newly eligible employees is the employing office of record. The disposition of returned items is at the discretion of the district office or other administering office. When employees receive a forwarded enrollment package at their employing office of record, they should submit a correct PS Form 1216, Employee's Current Mailing Address (dated June 1993). (Employees with access to Web job bidding on the intranet should make address changes via the Web. Other employees should return a completed PS Form 1216 to their local personnel office.)

Personnel offices should maintain a supply of PS Form 1216. They may obtain it from the Postal Service PolicyNet Web site; go to http://blue.usps.gov; under "Essential Links," click on Forms. They may also order PS Form 1216 from the MDC using the following information:

PSN 7530-02-000-7354
Quick Pick Number: 118
Unit of Measure: SE
Bulk Pack Quantity: 4,000
Price: $0.0171

Eligibility

All career employees are eligible to make employee contribution elections this open season (subject to financial hardship withdrawal and cancellation exclusions). FERS employees hired before June 1, 2004, receive Agency Automatic (1 percent) Contributions and Agency Matching Contributions (as appropriate) beginning in December 2004.

All employees who participated in TSP and cancelled their TSP contributions after June 30, 2004, are not eligible to participate in this TSP open season. They must wait for the TSP open season beginning April 15, 2005.

Effective Dates

PostalEASE automates the processing of TSP elections. The windows of opportunity for employees to make TSP open season elections and the resulting effective dates are as follows.

Because PostalEASE provides employees the ability to complete a TSP open season election without contacting the local personnel office and automates the processing of such elections, using PostalEASE should minimize the use of PS Form 6886, Thrift Savings Plan - Request for Retroactive Contributions. PS Form 6886 is used to correct administrative errors for TSP open season elections.

Personnel offices have the authority to determine whether an administrative error has occurred. If an error has delayed a TSP open season election past the appropriate effective date, personnel offices and the employee must complete PS Form 6886 and submit it to the Eagan Accounting Service Center (ASC). The effective dates for employees' elections delayed due to an administrative error must be made retroactive to December 11 or December 25, 2004, depending on the date the employee would have otherwise entered his or her open season election via PostalEASE.

Note: PS Form 6886 must be reproduced locally as needed. See page 7 for a copy of PS Form 6886.

Personnel offices also have the authority to determine whether a belated open season election opportunity exists. In such instances, personnel must submit the employee's election to the Eagan ASC for processing, in accordance with administrative instructions provided to personnel offices regarding PostalEASE. Belated open season elections are not retroactive in most circumstances.

Note: The processing dates and the closing dates of this TSP open season fall within a two pay-period timeframe, as indicated above.

Open Season Materials

In addition to the direct mailing of TSP information to employees, the MDC will automatically distribute residual supplies of the open season leaflet TSP1004, TSP Open Season, to Human Resources at district offices, area offices, processing and distribution centers/facilities (PDC/Fs), bulk mail centers (BMCs), airport mail centers/facilities (AMC/Fs), remote encoding centers, the Office of Inspector General, Postal Inspection Service divisions, Headquarters, and selected Headquarters field units.

Non-Open Season Materials

Most of the current TSP publications and forms have been revised for the new TSP record-keeping system, which was implemented in June 2003.

The MDC completed its automatic distribution of all non- open season items to Human Resources at district offices, area offices, PDC/Fs, BMCs, AMC/Fs, remote encoding centers, the Office of Inspector General, Postal Inspection Service divisions, Headquarters, and selected Headquarters field units.

Ordering TSP Items

Offices may place orders for new or revised TSP forms and/or publications with the MDC on an as-needed basis. It is not necessary to maintain a large stock of TSPBK08 because Headquarters mails this booklet to each newly hired career employee and newly eligible employee. In all cases where the MDC will stock a new or revised TSP item, the MDC will make an initial distribution to Human Resources at installations as noted earlier. Offices may check the TSP Web site for new or revised items. Note: Form TSP-50 is not available from the TSP Web site.

Participant Statements

Each employee with a TSP account will receive a participant statement from the TSP service office in October 2004.

Publicity

Human Resources at district offices, area offices, PDC/Fs, BMCs, AMC/Fs, remote encoding centers, the Office of Inspector General, Postal Inspection Service divisions, Headquarters, and selected Headquarters field units will receive a supply of posters this open season from the MDC. Installations that receive the posters must widely distribute them and post them on bulletin boards.

To assist in publicizing this TSP open season, all offices must post (1) the open season notice provided on page 8 of this Postal Bulletin through December 31, 2004, and (2) the current TSP fact sheet on bulletin boards.

- Compensation,
Employee Resource Management, 9-30-04

Have a Heart - Knowing Heart Attack Warning Signs Could Save Your Life

The life you save could be your own - and Safety Performance Management is ready to help with a new poster publicizing heart attack warning signs.

Developed as part of the national Safety Depends on Me employee awareness campaign, the "Heart Attack Warning" poster shows that heart disease is the nation's number one killer - with half of those deaths caused by heart attacks.

Knowing the warning signs can be a life saver, because too many victims wait too long to seek help.

The signs can range from sweating and shortness of breath to chest discomfort, pressure, or burning. Others are discomfort or pain between the shoulder blades; chest or abdominal discomfort or pain spreading to the shoulders, neck, arm, or jaw; indigestion or gas-like pain; anxiety or nervousness; dizziness or fainting; or unexplained weakness or fatigue.

Warning signs can hit everyone differently, so don't take any chances. If you are experiencing a warning sign, seek medical help immediately.

And share the information - the "Heart Attack Warning" poster is now available through the Material Distribution Center. It's poster number 312, July 2004. Order number PSN 7690-07-000-0969.

Have a heart. Order one today.

- Safety Performance Management,
Employee Resource Management, 9-30-04

Finance

ANNOUNCEMENT

Travelhelp Web site at http://blue.usps.gov/travelhelp

Do you need to know how to enter your per diem using eTravel or how to determine mileage for travel using a privately owned vehicle?

Now you can get answers to your travel questions quickly using the new travelhelp Web site. Travelhelp includes instructions for using eTravel as well as travel-related updates, forms, policies, and links to other travel tools, such as Trip Manager and travel policies in Handbook F-15.

You can access the Web site at http://blue.usps.gov/travelhelp.

The site includes the following:

• An easy-to-use directory that helps you find what you are looking for.

• A left screen navigation with links to information organized by user type - new users, web aliases, coordinators.

• Links to related Web sites and applications such as the following:

- Trip Manager (for booking travel).

- The eTravel login page (which takes you directly to the application).

- The Accounting Services Web site.

- The Postal Service Intranet.

Many eTravel users provided feedback through multiple surveys on the layout, design, and information to be accessed through the travelhelp Web site. Service Management in Eagan designed the site.

- National Accounting,
Finance, 9-30-04

HANDBOOK F-1 AND PS FORM 3544 REVISIONS

Revised PS Form 3544, USPS Receipt for Money or Service

The July 2004 edition of PS Form 3544, USPS Receipt for Money or Service, replaces the following:

• PS Form 1538, Receipts for Post Office Box/Caller Service Fees.

• PS Form 3544, Post Office Receipt for Money (edition dates up to May 1995).

Note: The revised form combines PS Forms 1538 and 3544 into one receipt.

Using Existing Stock

Upon arrival of the new version PS Form 3544, USPS Receipt for Money or Service, the Material Distribution Center (MDC) will destroy/recycle the previous editions of PS Forms 1538 and 3544 and instead will use the July 2004 edition of PS Form 3544, USPS Receipt for Money or Service.

All Post OfficesTM and postal retail units should continue to use their existing supply of PS Forms 1538 and 3544.

Ordering the Revised Form

After exhausting the existing supply of PS Forms 1538 and 3544, Post Offices and postal retail units may order the July 2004 edition of PS Form 3544, USPS Receipt for Money or Service, by using touch tone order entry (TTOE): Call 800-332-0317, Option 2.

Note: You must be registered to use TTOE. To register, call 800-332-0317, option 1, extension 2925, and follow the prompts to leave a message. (Wait 48 hours after registering before placing your first order.)

Use the following ordering information to order the July 2004 edition of PS Form 3544:

PSIN: 7530-03-000-3768
PSN: PS3544
Unit of Measure: BK
Minimum Order Quantity: 1
Quick Pick Number: 176
Bulk Pack Quantity: 40
Price: $1.56

The July 2004 edition of PS Form 3544, USPS Receipt for Money or Service, is shown on page 24.

Filling Out the Form

For P.O. Receipt for Money

To issue a receipt for P.O. Receipt for Money, check the box and enter the following:

• Post Office name.

• Station name.

• Finance number.

• Unit ID.

• AIC number.

• Purpose for the receipt.

• Amount.

• Received from customer name.

• Permit number or Social Security number (SSN) (Note: Enter the SSN when an employee is creating a stamp credit overage/shortage, creating a salary advance, clearing stamp credits overage/shortage, clearing a salary advance).

• Certifying signature is the Retail associate completing this form.

• Postmark with office round date stamp.

• Receipt number block already has the numbers printed on the form.

For P.O. Box/Caller Service Fees

To issue a receipt for P.O. box or caller service fees, check the box and enter the following:

• Customer name.

• Amount.

• AIC number (get the AIC # from the block you check as semiannual AIC 158 or annual or reserved number fee AIC 115).

• P.O. box/caller number(s).

• Certifying signature is the Retail associate completing this form.

• Postmark with office round date stamp.

• Receipt number block already has the numbers printed on the form.

Note: If a customer opens up a new P.O. box and gets keys, then both sections of this form must be completed.

Distributing the Completed Form

After filling out PS Form 3544, distribute the copies as follows:

• Give the original copy to the customer.

• File the duplicate copy with the Retail associate's PS Form 1412.

Updating Handbook F-1

We will incorporate these revisions into the next printed edition of Handbook F-1 and into the next update of the online version accessible on the Postal Service PolicyNet Web site.

• Go to http://blue.usps.gov.

• Under "Essential Links" in the left-hand column, click on References.

• Under "References" in the right-hand column, click on PolicyNet.

• Then click on HBKs.

Handbook F-1, Post Office Accounting Procedures

1 General Information

* * * * *

15 Protecting Accountable Papers and/or Items

* * * * *

152 Controlling Accountable Receipts

152.1 Defining

[Revise the text of 152.1 to read as follows:]

The receipt forms listed in the table below are controlled items. These receipt forms are available at the Material Distribution Center (MDC) in Topeka. Post Offices and postal retail units may order them from the MDC by calling 800-332-0317, Option 2. Do not reproduce the forms locally.

[Revise the title and text of 152.2 to read as follows:]

152.2 Recording by the Post Offices or Postal Retail Units

Post Offices and postal retail units must record accountable receipts as follows:

1> Assign serial numbers in sequential order for each book received from the MDC.

2> Verify continuity of the receipt serial number when books are issued.

3> Notify the local inspector-in-charge if the recipient reports missing numbers or pages.

[Revise title and text of 152.3 to read as follows:]

152.3 Processing Spoiled or Voided Forms and Partially Used Books

Post Offices and postal retail units must process spoiled or voided forms and partially used books as follows:

1> Staple together spoiled or voided forms, and maintain them at the office.

2> For partially used books, verify that no receipts are missing and maintain them at the office for 4 years.

* * * * *

7 Accounting for Nonstamp Revenue

* * * * *

75 Post Office Box and Caller Service

751 Procedure References

[Revise the text of 751 to read as follows:]

The Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) contains procedures for Post Office box and caller service in the following modules:

[Revise the title and text of 752 to read as follows:]

752 Accepting Payments for Post Office Box Rents or Caller Service Fees

1> Prepare PS Form 3544, USPS Receipt for Money or Services, in duplicate. Send the copies as follows:

2> Use the duplicate in updating box holder records within the Post Office box section.

[Revise title and text of 753 to read as follows:]

753 Reporting Post Office Box Rents or Caller Service Fees

>> Report revenue for box rent and caller service fee in AIC 115, Annual PO Box Rent/Caller Service Fees, and AIC 158, 6-Month PO Box Rent/Caller Service Fees.

[Revise title and text of 754 to read as follows:]

754 Controlling PS Form 3544, USPS Receipt for Money or Services

>> After you have entered the amount in the unit PS Form 1412, file duplicate PS Forms 3544 in sequence for the required retention period. Investigate missing duplicates at once.

755 Reporting Payments for Keys and Post Office Box Lock Replacement

[Revise the text of 755 to read as follows:]

1> Record revenue for Post Office box key deposits in AIC 123, Lobby Services Revenue.

2> Record revenue for Post Office box key nonrefundable fee (each key issued after the first two) to AIC 123, Lobby Services Revenue.

3> Record revenue for Post Office box lock replacements or resetting of a Post Office box combination lock in AIC 123, Lobby Services Revenue.

756 Refundable Fees and Keys

[Revise the text of 756 to read as follows:]

>> Record all refunds of refundable Post Office box fees and key deposits on PS Form 3533, Application and Voucher for Refund of Postage, Fees, and Services; and enter the amount in AIC 535, Refund of Fees - Retail Services.

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- Revenue and Field Accounting,
Finance, 9-30-04

HANDBOOK REVISIONS

Travel Per Diem Rates - Handbooks F-15 and F-12

Effective October 1, 2004, Handbook F-15, Travel and Relocation, Appendix A, is revised as follows to reflect changes in travel per diem rates. These per diem rates also apply to bargaining unit relocation benefits under Handbook F-12, Relocation Policy.

We will incorporate these revisions into the next printed edition of Handbook F-15 and into the next update of the online version accessible on the Postal ServiceTM PolicyNet Web site:

• Go to http://blue.usps.gov.

• Under "Essential Links" in the left-hand column, click on References.

• Under "References" in the right-hand column, click on PolicyNet.

• Click on HBKs.

(The direct URL for the Postal Service PolicyNet Web site is http://blue.usps.gov/cpim.)

Handbook F-15, Travel and Relocation

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Appendix A Rates

A-1 Standard Mileage Rates

A-1.1 Mileage Rates

A-1.2 Reimbursement for Postal Supervisors

Postal supervisors (see 5-5.2.1.2) will be reimbursed at the rate of $6.00 per day or 37.5 cents per mile, whichever is greater, when a privately owned vehicle is used. Do not use the eTravel system when claiming the $6.00 daily rate, because the excess of the daily rate over the actual mileage is taxable as compensation to the claimant. You should claim the $6.00 daily rate by submitting PS Form 1164A, Claim for Reimbursement for Postal Supervisors, to the Scanning and Imaging Center.

Odometer readings are not required on the respective claim forms; the integrity of the claim is the responsibility of the traveler. However, should the approving official have reason to question the claim, the claimant must provide evidence that supports the claim of distance traveled.

A-2 Travel Per Diem Rates

A-2.1 What Per Diem Includes

The per diem allowance includes all charges for meals; laundry and cleaning expenses; all fees and tips to waiters, bellboys, and porters; and other similar expenses.

A-2.2 Per Diem Calculation (See Chapter 7.)

A-2.3 Average Cost Localities

Unless a city is listed in the table in A-2.4, High Cost Localities, the daily per diem rate is $31.

A-2.4 High Cost Localities

The following key cities and/or areas are classified as localities with above-average lodging costs. The daily per diem rate applicable for each of these localities is indicated.

1 The per diem locality is defined as all locations within, or entirely surrounded by, the corporate limits of the key city, including independent entities located within those boundaries.

2 Per diem localities with county definitions shall include all locations locations within, or entirely surrounded by, the corporate limits of the key city as well as the boundaries of the listed counties, including independent entities located within the boundaries of the key city and the listed counties.

3 When military installations or government-related facilities (whether or not specifically named) are located partially within the city or county boundary, the applicable per diem rate for the entire installation or facility is the higher of the two rates that apply to the cities and/or counties, even though part(s) of such activities may be located outside the defined per diem locality.

4 Denotes independent cities.

A-2.5 Special Situations - Meal Reductions

When meals are furnished at no charge or nominal fee by a federal government agency, private company, etc. at a temporary duty station, meeting, conference, or training session, the per diem will be appropriately reduced as follows.

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Handbook F-12, Relocation Policy

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Appendix B Reimbursement Rates

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I. Mileage Rates

A. Standard mileage rates

[Revise item A to read as follows:]

B. Relocation-related advance round trip and/or en route to new duty station

[Revise the first sentence of item B to read as follows:]

The allowable rate is 37.5 cents per mile.

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C. High cost localities

[Revise item C to read as follows:]

The following key cities and/or areas are classified as localities with above average lodging costs. The daily per diem rate applicable for each of these localities is indicated: